Telephone, television, and radio all help people communicate with each other. Because of this, ideas and news of events spread quickly all over the world. For example, within seconds people can know the results of an election in another country. News of a natural disaster such as an earthquake can bring help from distant countries. Within hours, help is on the way. Because of modern technology, information travels faster.
　　How has this speed of communication changed the world? To many people, the world has become smaller. Of course this does not mean that the world is actually smaller than before. It means that the world seems smaller. Two hundred years ago, communication between the continents took a long time. All news was carried on ships that took weeks or even months to cross the oceans. In the seventeenth century, it took six weeks for news from Europe to America. This time difference affected people's actions. For example, one battle in the War of 1812 between England and the United States could have been avoided. A peace agreement had already been signed. Peace was made in England, but the news of peace took six weeks to reach America. During this six weeks, the large and serious Battle of New Orleans was fought. Many people lost their lives. They would not have died if news had come in time. In the past, communication took much more time than it does now. There was a good reason why the world seemed so much larger than it does today.
1). News spreads faster now because of______.
A. modern transportation B. technology
C. the changes of the world D. a peace agreement
2). According to this passage, ______ is very important to people in a disaster
area.
A. fast communication B. modern technology
C. latest news D. new ideas
3). Which of the following is TRUE?
A. The world now seems smaller because of faster communication.
B. The world is actually smaller today.
C. The world is changing in size.
D. The distance between England and America has changed since the War.
4). Two hundred years ago, news between the countries was carried______.
A. by telephone and telegraph B. by land
C. by air D. by sea
5). The New Orleans Battle could have been avoided if the news of peace had
reached ______earlier.
A.by both sides B. in time C. in America D. in England